In Gearhart, locals saluted Lisa and John Allen, as they closed the Pacific Way Bakery and moved into retirement. The Allens received a serenade send-off of “Happy Trails” from an audience that will forever remember their apple turnovers and veggie tarts. The Allens are leasing the property to a Lake Oswego couple with a background in business development.

One of the more intriguing local notables, Masudur Khan, is stepping down from his role with Seaside Lodging LLC to assume the role of founder and CEO of Khan Properties, specializing in housing and hospitality He bought Seaside’s Gilbert Block building in 2021 for more than $3 million, and shovels are in the ground for apartment and business developments. His most recent purchase is Bagels by the Sea on South Holladay Drive. Manager Asrar Farooqui, a former IT professional from Hyderabad, India, had never even tasted a bagel before coming to Seaside.

Another renowned local figure, Seaside Civic and Convention Center General Manager Russ Vandenberg, announced his retirement. Vandenberg, who arrived in Seaside in 2005 and oversaw the expansion of the center in 2018, plans to step down in May. His retirement comes as the city seeks to replace City Manager Mark Winstanley and City Planner Kevin Cupples. The replacement of these three civic leaders will shape the direction of the city.

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Thank you for reading!

R.J. Marx

Editor